Six Meyer.

It's a well-known fact that one of the most popular topics of conversation among UD students is related to the sixth floor of Meyer Hall up on top of Stuart hill.

There is usually one big reason that people hold us in such high regard: we got the goods, and we know how to use 'em.

Now, before all you druggies come running up here to make a purchase, know that by "goods" I am referring to technology at its finest. Sitting on the countertop is a Mitsubishi HD 100U projector radiating bright lights and images across the room to a 120 inch, custom-made screen.

At first, you've wondered if you've stumbled into a movie; but take one glance at the home theater components, including a surround sound setup, and you realize that it is a make-shift home theatre that was put together by creative young freshmen.

The framed screen made to be able to fold in half for easy dorm storage. The projector, surround sound, DVD player and tech equipment was all provided by Trent Muhlenkamp.

When these elements are combined, the couches re-arranged and the lights dimmed, it makes for the ultimate entertainment experience, admired by all. Well, let me re-phrase that; admired by most.

You see, because the sixth floor is the only floor in Meyer to house some original artwork by UD students in the lounge, this theater system tends to be an annoyance to the maintenance staff and cleaning crew alike. When it is set up, it becomes an obstruction to the two paintings on the wall by junior Adam Vicarel.

Now, in Adam's defense, the paintings (abstract representations of a fish and a bird) are original and create a lovely image of nature and sustainability in the observer's head.

However, as we are the only floor with this artwork to appreciate, we do have a little problem with the situation. Since the movie screen obstructs these artistic renderings, we are constantly in a struggle with the maintenance staff of the building to take our screen and equipment out of the lounge.

This struggle has led to high tensions with said maintenance staff, as well as with the cleaning crew. It has cost us numerous fines, fines which students from other Meyer floors have never been liable for due to the absence of artwork on their floors.

Even after a floor meeting in which the whole floor was in favor of keeping the setup and an attempt by our RA to talk to administration, we are still being forced to take down the screen and put away all equipment each night, the failure to do so resulting in confiscation of said items.

This wouldn't even be problematic except for the fact that each take-down/setup takes a solid 20-25 minutes either way and makes for quite a hassle. I see no reason in telling us to take the screen down each night when no one will be coming by to take the graveyard shift of art appreciating.

It's not that we don't respect Mr. Vicarel's artwork; it's just that when there is art in 120 inch digital form occupying every ounce of your attention, you tend to not enjoy drawings of a fish and a bird as much.

The screen promotes unity among the residents of Meyer. During many nights of the week, the screen is used for a movie night in which students can put their feet up and watch a good movie of their choice, enjoying the fact that they don't have to crane their necks to get a glance at their collegiate budget TV screens.

Other nights the equipment is used for making TV broadcasting of various sporting games less of a hassle for large groups. On the weekends or when the computer is hooked up, the surround sound makes for an amazing stereo system. The screen receives countless compliments from RAs doing their rounds, family and visitors to the school. (Can you think of a better way to sell the dorms to next year's potential freshmen?)

Girls from other floors have even offered to adopt the artwork in their own lounge in the name of preserving this personal entertainment arrangement.

In the end, I just don't see how it's fair to continuously put an end to this technology that brings forth such amazing results. UD should not be punishing us as wrongdoers; but rather welcoming our innovative spirit that has challenged us to think outside of the box. I respect the hard work that is showcased on our lounge's walls, but I believe that the screen is a better use of the wall. And when the floor agrees so strongly on this, I think the maintenance staff should make a compromise.

Other floors use their lounge as they please, and we would be able to as well if we didn't have the artwork on the wall. To Mr. Adam Vicarel, class of 2011 visual communication design major: this is not a lack of appreciation for your work, so please don't take it personally.

 But we got the goods, and people like the goods. So excuse us for trying to show 'em off.